Family Summer Festivals Survival Guide

Thinking of bringing the kids to a festival this year? Here are some top tips to ensure an enjoyable experience. Now, if only we could control the weather…

Keep it small

Festivals are hubs of activity and can often be pretty hectic to navigate with kids in tow. Choosing a small, family-friendly event will allow you to keep your camp close to your car and all the fun activities on offer. If you are heading to a larger event, just stick to certain areas for sections of the day for your own mini-fest.

Expect all types of weather

Let’s face it, there’s a lot of weather in the UK – and it often has a mind of its own, so go prepared for whatever the heavens throw at you.

Take extra – of everything!

Nappies, comforters, clothes…you don’t want to be slapping your head in annoyance in the middle of a field because you’ve run out of something. If you’re driving, just keep a stash of essentials in the boot (including a spare box of wine!).

Baby wipes, bay wipes…and more baby wipes

Seriously, what would we do without them? Plus you’ll be every festival-goer’s best friend.

Go with other families

Prices for food and drink are often hiked up at festivals, so bring some of your own (especially snacks for the kids) and plan some campfire meals in advance to keep down the costs.

Don’t expect it to be cheap

Prices for food and drink are often hiked up at festivals, so bring some of your own (especially snacks for the kids) and plan some campfire meals in advance to keep down the costs.

Travel as light as possible

Lugging bags across a packed – often muddy – field from your car to your campsite is not a fun activity, so keep your packing as light as possible.

Lots of nibbles

Keep the kids’ (and your) energy levels up between meals with tasty snacks, like raisins, crisps and bananas.

Get some wheels

Wheelbarrows are great for carting all your stuff around, as are shopping trolleys.

Bring small rucksacks for your kids

If you have room in the car, pack a few essentials into mini backpacks for the kids, which they can carry around with them. Plus, some have wrist straps so you can keep hold of your kids in a crowd.

Ear defenders

If you’re going to be surrounded by loud speakers, it might be worth packing ear defenders for the little ones, as their ears are extra sensitive.

Whether you’re festival-ing or heading to a campsite, there’s nothing better than seeing your kids run around in the fresh air. Yes, there may be rain and yep, chances are you will need to use a toilet block at some point – but add these ideas to your to-do list and camping with kids will be the highlight of your summer.